A client is experiencing sickle cell crisis precipitated by a right lower lobe pneumonia. The vital signs are: HR-110/min: RR-28; B/P-96/54: T-100.8 PO: Pulse Oximetry-96%. What is the best nursing action?
Maintain IV fluid infusion and assess adequacy of hydration
Provide continuous sedation for pain relief
Insert an indwelling (Foley) catheter and monitor hourly urinary output
Prepare for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support
The Correct Answer is A
A) Maintain IV fluid infusion and assess adequacy of hydration: This is the best nursing action as adequate hydration is crucial in managing sickle cell crisis. It helps to reduce blood viscosity and prevent further sickling of red blood cells, which is especially important in the context of pneumonia, as dehydration can exacerbate the crisis.
B) Provide continuous sedation for pain relief: While managing pain is essential, continuous sedation is not the most appropriate first step in this situation. Pain management should be addressed, but hydration and treating the underlying causes (like pneumonia) take priority.
C) Insert an indwelling (Foley) catheter and monitor hourly urinary output: While monitoring urinary output can be important, it is not the most immediate action in this case. Focus should be on hydration and addressing the sickle cell crisis rather than on urinary output at this time.
D) Prepare for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support: Although respiratory distress is a concern with pneumonia, the current pulse oximetry reading of 96% indicates adequate oxygenation at this time. Preparing for intubation should not be the first action unless the patient shows signs of respiratory failure or severe distress.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The layers of your heart are weak and thin: This statement does not accurately address the underlying cause of chest pain in coronary artery disease. Weakness in heart layers is not a common explanation for angina.
B. The pain you have is because your heart valves are damaged: While valve damage can lead to cardiac symptoms, it is not the primary cause of chest pain associated with coronary artery disease, which is more directly related to blood flow issues.
C. Your heart muscle is weak and is not pumping forcefully: This statement could be true in the context of heart failure but does not specifically explain the chest pain associated with coronary artery disease.
D. The pain is caused by decreased oxygen to the heart muscle: This is the most accurate and appropriate response. Chest pain in coronary artery disease, often referred to as angina, typically occurs due to reduced blood flow and, consequently, oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. This explanation helps the client understand the physiological basis of their symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal: While changes in hair growth and nail texture can occur with aging, the specific combination of hair loss on the legs and thick toenails in a client with peripheral vascular disease is indicative of underlying circulatory issues rather than simply a normal aging process.
B) A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention: While peripheral vascular disease does increase the risk of blood clots, the presence of no hair on the legs and thick toenails is more directly related to chronic insufficient blood flow rather than an acute clotting situation requiring immediate intervention.
C) Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture: This statement accurately describes the physiological changes occurring in peripheral vascular disease. Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lower extremities result in hair loss and thickened nails, as hair follicles and nail growth depend on adequate perfusion.
D) Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus: While hereditary factors can influence hair loss and fungal infections can affect nails, in the context of peripheral vascular disease, the findings are primarily due to inadequate blood supply rather than hereditary issues or fungal infections.
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